A very special letter from Antwoord in South Africa! - TEAM

June 2010“Wees altyd gereed om ‘n antwoord te gee…oor die hoop wat in julle lewe.” 1Pet. 3:15“Always be ready to give an answer whensomeone asks you about your hope.”To Whom It May Concern:This is a summary of the importance, significance and impact that TEAM ofSES has had in South Africa over the past three years.The reason for establishing an apologetic ministry like AntWoord in SouthAfrica can be traced back to wanting to assist the local church in equippingChristian believers to effectively and winsomely engage with a sceptical andoften hostile world. To be sure, there are churches where the development ofthe mind and the resources available for doing so, are given some attention.But unfortunately the general and overall attitude is still that what mattersmost are the merits of untainted Christian living, so that the importance ofsound Christian thinking is often downplayed and undervalued. The inevitableconsequence of such a one-sided approach to what it means to be aChristian, is that the church and Christianity are often deemed irrelevant andeven incredible in so many areas of the cultural sphere and intellectual life.Since its inception six years ago, the founding members of AntWoord havebeen acutely aware of the ministry’s rather insignificant capacity and veryshort reach. But because AntWoord was born from a sense of calling and forthe sake of merely being faithful to the Gospel of Christ, this was never adebilitating characteristic. What a ministry like AntWoord never quiteenvisioned, though, was its partnership with TEAM and the far-reachingimpact this would have in the South African community.TEAM is a truly dynamic and visionary division of SES. It has been anextraordinary privilege for AntWoord to come along side TEAM for thepurpose of influencing the church in South Africa (for understanding the needand importance of apologetics) as well as for making an impact for life-changein our secular culture at large. Without TEAM’s Godly vision, unmistakableexpertise and strategic planning, local efforts would probably have remainedmarginal. But because of the sacrificial efforts of TEAM in South Africa for thepast three years, the following has occurred, with its culmination in the verysuccessful May 2010 events:1. Sympathetic relations for future work with these three secularacademic institutions (such as engagement with lecturers on anacademic level): North West University, University of Pretoria, and theUniversity of South Africa2. The establishing of at least one Ratio Christi chapter for students atone of above mentioned universities3. An established expectation that the Faith & Reason ApologeticsConference has become a special and remarkable annual event heldat kerksondemure

4. A growing awareness with the leadership of some of the larger localchurches (for e.g. Moreleta Church) of the kind of work being done forthe sake of the Kingdom, with the possibility of greater influence to, andinvolvement from members of these churches5. Interest form various high schools and churches for formal training andapologetics courses on a continual/longer term basis6. The planned development of an accredited course (certificate anddiploma level) in apologetics (inspired by, and possibly in corroborationwith SEAI)7. The establishing of connections with various churches, organisationsand influential individuals nationally (but also closer networking withexisting ones) where there are tremendous excitement and interest indeveloping Christian Apologetics and sound Christian teaching inSouth Africa (a reflection of the failure of South African seminaries inthis regard)8. A 100 percent growth in the full-time personnel of AntWoord, as well asin its part-time personnel – a direct result of TEAM’s enthusiasm andwork.9. A growing support and encouragement for the aspirations and work ofa local apologetics ministry like AntWoord, and for the apologeticsendeavour in general, from people through our website and wherepresentations are done.10. Possible opportunities to expand and widen the scope for apologeticsin the African context and need.It only seems appropriate to make these results and developments known toleadership at SES, and to thank them for their continued support and inputthrough TEAM over the past three years. Your efforts have born fruit for HisKingdom and continue to do so beyond expectations.Kind regardsUdo Karsten(on behalf of the AntWoord Ministry)www.antwoord.org.zaantwoorde@yahoo.com